Our History

Smith SSW celebrated the commencement of 104 M.S.W. graduates and 4 Ph.D. graduates on Friday, August 14, 2026. The event featured keynote speaker, James Herbert Williams, NASW Social Work Pioneer and SSW alum, M.S.W. Speaker Gaby Samaripa, and Ph.D. Speaker Cheryl Aguilar. The NASW Student of the Year was Tiff Garcia. 

In 2024, under the leadership of Kenta Asakura, M.S.W. '04, Ph.D., LICSW, the journal was renamed to Studies in Clinical Social Work: Transforming Practice, Education and Research  to identify ways to more accurately represent the journal's identity and vision as a leading journal of clinical social work. Despite the name change, the journal's core identity did not change. It remains focused on and committed to clinical social work and will continue its affiliation with Smith College School for Social Work. As the new title signifies, the journal focuses not only on clinical practice but also on clinical education and research from the social work community.  

In fall 2024 the School establishes the Committee for Program Affordability and Student Support to explore ways to make the program more affordable. C-PASS builds on the foundational efforts of the national student-led P4P movement, whose survey and advocacy brought national attention to the economic challenges facing social work students. C-PASS includes the dean and associate dean, directors of practicum learning, admission and financial aid, community engagement and student support, as well as members of the SSW P4P chapter. 

This year has brought new challenges to our work as social workers. Here at SSW we were so grateful to welcome students back to campus but, like so many of you, also struggled with the news from around the country and the world. We are all faced with balancing our hope and joy with the challenges of the world around us. As we look towards the end of 2022, I hope you are able to find moments for rest, joy, and contemplation. 

With love, 

Marianne R.M. Yoshioka, MBA, Ph.D., LCSW
Dean | Elizabeth Marting Treuhaft Professor
Smith College School for Social Work

The spring 2022 edition of InDepth won a Gold Circle of Excellence Award from CASE in the category of Alumni/General Interest Magazines. 

From the Judges: The judges were impressed by the publication, which boasted a well-designed layout that exuded a high-quality touch. The attention to detail and visual appeal of the publication contributed to its engaging nature, capturing the readers' interest and holding their attention. The judges recognized the commitment to excellence and their ability to create a captivating reading experience.

As social workers, our attention is often pulled in so many directions. AS we reflect on the year that has passed and contemplate what is to come in 2022, we hope that you are able to find moments for joy, reflection, and peace in the new year. 

Best wishes,

Marianne R.M. Yoshioka, M.S.W., MBA, Ph.D., LCSW
Dean | Elizabeth Marting Treuhaft Professor 

In August 2020 Dean Marianne Yoshioka announced the School's five Core Principles to guide its programs and operations. Developed by a multi-constituent group of SSW resident and adjunct faculty and students, the Core Principles replaced the School's statement of commitment to anti-racism that was first authored in 1995. 

In 2018 Smith College School for Social Work celebrated 100 years of clinical excellence. As part of the celebration the film Clinical Revolution was filmed to tell the story of the School's creation. 

As part of Smith College School for Social Work's ongoing commitment to trans inclusion, a team of students and faculty were brought together in spring 2017 to gather, develop and disseminate resources about trans and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) inclusion within SSW. The project was motivated in large part by student advocacy that culminated in an open letter in the summer of 2016, and aims to increase the level of shared understanding around TGNC issues and to support a culture of investment in intersectional trans competence, in alignment with the School’s continued commitment to becoming anti-racist. The team consisted of (L to R) Rickey Thorn (student), Davey Shlasko (adjunct faculty), Rory Crath (resident faculty) Jixia Ao (student) and Noah Cochran (student).